Can a Switch controller work on a PC?

Yes, a Nintendo Switch controller can work on a PC! There are a few different ways to connect a Switch controller to your PC, whether you're using a Joy-Con or a Switch Pro Controller. Here's how to do it:

1. Connecting a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to a PC

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the more straightforward option for connecting to a PC, and it supports both wired and wireless connections.

Wired Connection:

1. Plug in the Pro Controller using a USB-C cable.
2. Once plugged in, your PC should automatically recognize the controller and install the necessary drivers.
3. The controller will work like a standard gamepad in most games that support controllers.

Wireless Connection (Bluetooth):

1. Ensure your PC has Bluetooth: Before attempting a wireless connection, make sure your PC has Bluetooth. If not, you'll need to get a Bluetooth USB dongle.
2. Put the Pro Controller into pairing mode: Press and hold the Sync button (located at the top of the controller next to the USB-C port) until the lights start flashing.
3. Pair the controller on your PC:
   • Open Bluetooth settings on your PC (search for “Bluetooth” in the Start menu).
   • Select "Nintendo Switch Pro Controller" from the list of available devices.
4. Once paired, the controller should work wirelessly in most games.

2. Connecting Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons to a PC

The Joy-Con controllers are a little more complicated to use on PC, but they can be connected via Bluetooth.

Wireless Connection (Bluetooth):

1. Enable Bluetooth on your PC: As with the Pro Controller, your PC needs Bluetooth support (or you need a Bluetooth dongle).

2. Put the Joy-Con into pairing mode: Press and hold the Sync button on the Joy-Con (located between the SL and SR buttons) until the lights start flashing.

3. Pair with your PC:

   • Open Bluetooth settings on your PC.
   • You should see the Joy-Con appear as an available device in the Bluetooth menu.
   • Select the Joy-Con to pair.

4. Repeat the process for the other Joy-Con if you want to use both. You can also use a single Joy-Con at a time.

   Note: When using Joy-Cons on PC, you may encounter compatibility issues with certain games, as they are not always optimized for individual Joy-Cons. Steam has better support for Joy-Cons, but some games might only work with one Joy-Con at a time, and button mappings may not be perfect.

3. Using the Nintendo Switch Controllers with Steam

Steam has built-in support for the Switch Pro Controller and Joy-Con controllers. Here’s how to set them up:

For Steam:

1. Open Steam and go to Settings.

2. Under the Controller tab, click "General Controller Settings".

3. You’ll see options for Switch Pro Controller and Switch Joy-Con. Check the boxes to enable support for each type of controller.

4. Steam will automatically map the buttons on your controller for compatible games.

   • Note: The Pro Controller generally works better in Steam, but Joy-Cons can also be used with Steam games. You can configure button mappings in Steam’s Big Picture Mode or the Steam Controller Settings.

4. Third-Party Software for More Control

If you're using the Joy-Cons or the Switch Pro Controller with non-Steam games or want more customization, you can use third-party software like BetterJoy or JoyToKey:

• BetterJoy: Allows you to use Joy-Cons and Switch Pro Controllers on your PC and provides additional functionality such as gyro support.
• JoyToKey: This allows you to map keyboard keys to the controller buttons, making it useful for non-controller supported games.

5. Limitations and Compatibility

• Button Mapping: The Switch controllers may not be automatically mapped to all games. Some games may require manual button mapping.
• Joy-Con Stability: Joy-Con controllers sometimes experience input lag or disconnection issues due to the Bluetooth connection, particularly when used individually.
• Battery Life: The battery life of your Joy-Con or Pro Controller might be reduced when using Bluetooth. You can still play while charging via the USB cable for wired connections.

Conclusion

Yes, you can use a Nintendo Switch controller on your PC! The Switch Pro Controller is the easiest to use, with both wired and wireless options supported. Joy-Con controllers can also work with PC via Bluetooth, but might require more setup and could have limitations in some games. For a smoother experience, especially with Steam games, you may want to use BetterJoy for additional functionality or remapping features.

This flexibility makes the Switch controllers a great option for PC gaming, especially if you already own a Nintendo Switch.